The Special Investigations Unit has concluded its investigation into the death of a 17-year-old Cambridge boy who jumped into the Grand River from the Concession Street bridge on July 2.
At approximately 3:40 that morning, Waterloo regional police responded to a call for a male standing on the railing of the bridge.
Officers located the male, who was determined to be in crisis, and attempted to negotiate with him.
Shortly after, the teenager fell from the bridge and into the Grand River below. He was rescued but found with vital signs absent.
CPR was initiated and the teenager was transported to hospital.
On July 3, while in hospital, the youth was pronounced deceased.
The SIU was notified of the incident and began its investigation.
The results of that investigation were released this week and found "no reasonable grounds to believe a Waterloo Regional Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the death."
Director Joseph Martino concluded the police officers involved were lawfully placed and engaged in the execution of their foremost duty – the protection and preservation of life – through the series of events culminating in the boy's leap from the bridge.
"While it was highly regrettable that the teen could not be saved, his death was not from any want of trying on the part of the involved officers and firefighters," Martino wrote in his report.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians.
